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Trading Standards said that employees were told to cold-call small companies to sell advertising space in their publications, which were poor quality, mainly made up of adverts and had low readerships.

The defendants targeted small businesses by exaggerating distribution figures and misleading customers into thinking their publications would be promoted at high-profile events relating to their business.

One of the victims was former fish and chip shop owner Ken Eadon, from Norfolk, who lost £17,224.

The stress of the experience led to him selling his business as he was unable to continue to run it, and it also led to the break-up of his long-term relationship.

Jutta Patterson, who nearly lost her rescue centre in Shropshire, suffered ill health and she died of lung cancer in 2015, aged 64.

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At the Proceeds of Crime Act hearing, Rivers was also ordered to pay an additional £30,000 to cover court costs.

Wyvern Media publication director Thomas Chamberlain, 31, from Upper Eastern Green Lane, Coventry, was also ordered to pay £121,688 from his assets gained through his part in the operation last October.

He was handed a two-year suspended prison sentence last year.

Dennis Draper - another publication director - from Denton Close, Kenilworth, was ordered to pay £1,250 from his assets. His prison sentence was one of 20 months.

A further proceeds of crime hearing involving other publication directors is set to take place in June.

James Delaney, from Trading Standards, said: “Some of the victims lost their homes and businesses over their involvement with Wyvern Media and this result goes some way to helping them to rebuild their lives.”